MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz E320

▲ Better than typical
1998 Mercedes Benz E320
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:44.312Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz E320 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2004: 203 complaints 2004 2005: 231 complaints 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009
1998: 37 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199411
199596
199645
199763
199837
199983
200044
200138
200223
2003214
2004203
2005231
200641
200717
200810
20098

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%

22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

Show complaint excerpts

CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990721

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUSPENSION 19%

19% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.

STRUCTURE 14%

14% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 E-320 DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN MY FRONT SPRING CAME OFF THE FRAME AND FELL OFF MY CAR, CAUSING THE HOLE FRONT END TO DROP AND THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081110

THE REAR LEFT DOOR OPENED ON IMPACT. THE CAR WAS HIT MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TOWARDS THE CENTER COLUMN AND THE REAR DOOR OPENED. MY 5-YEAR-OLD SON WAS SITTING NEXT TO THAT DOOR AND COULD HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000928

HAD AN INSPECTION ON FRIDAY. FOUND PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER BROKEN FROM THE BODY FRAME, THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140712

EQUIPMENT 11%

11% of complaints: equipment — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner and radio/tape deck/cd etc..

VISIBILITY 11%

11% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and rearview mirrors/devices.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20031217 — PE (closed 20040422)

ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE

I 20070419 — PE (closed 20070809)

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 2006 ▲ 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.